'''Ha Tien''' is a seaside town in Kien Giang Province in [[South (Vietnam)|Southern Vietnam]]. It is at the western end of the [[Mekong Delta]] close to the Cambodian border. Although a tourist spot it hasn't yet seen many western visitors due to its remoteness. As a result the English literacy of even the hotel staff is next to nothing. However, the opening of the border to [[Cambodia]] for international travelers recently is likely to change that in the near future.

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'''Ha Tien''' is a seaside town in Kien Giang Province in [[South (Vietnam)|Southern Vietnam]]. It is at the western end of the [[Mekong Delta]] close to the Cambodian border. Although a tourist spot, it doesn't see many western visitors due to its remoteness.

==Get in==

==Get in==

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There are buses from [[Ho Chi Minh City]]'s Mien Tay terminal (about 8h) as well as from [[Can Tho]] and [[Chau Doc]]. The connection from [[Can Tho]] often requires a change in [[Rach Soi]] or [[Rach Gia]] from where it is about 1h.

There are buses from [[Ho Chi Minh City]]'s Mien Tay terminal (about 8h) as well as from [[Can Tho]] and [[Chau Doc]]. The connection from [[Can Tho]] often requires a change in [[Rach Soi]] or [[Rach Gia]] from where it is about 1h.

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The border near Ha Tien (7km to the north) was opened for tourists in 2007. It takes around 2h to go to [[Kampot]] by motorbike. As of April 2010, there are direct buses connecting Ha Tien to Kampot,Kep and Sihanoukville. Buses to Phnom Penh require one change of vehicle in Cambodia Some of the roads in Cambodia on the way to Kampot are not paved, but you will be able to see some nice rural areas there.

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The border near Ha Tien (7km to the north) was opened for tourists in 2007. As of late 2010, it is possible for tourists of most nationalities to enter Vietnam via this border crossing without the need for a visa. However it applies only for stays of up to 15 days, and you can only visit the so called "Special Economic Zone", which is essentially the town of Ha Tien, and the area between the town and the border, including Mui Nai beach. You must not travel further into Vietnam. (The officials at the border will tell you that you cannot go to Phu Quoc island with the visa and may not issue you a visa at all without a small bribe.) For ventures further into Vietnam, a visa is needed prior to arrival at the border.

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From [[Kampot]] you can get a motobike taxi for $9-10 or from [[Kep]] for $7 to the border on the Cambodian side. The road can vary in condition from paved and bumpy to packed dirt and bumpy, be prepared for a slightly white knuckled ride depending on the daring nature of your driver. Also, be aware that there seem to be Vietnamese drivers now waiting well inside the Cambodian side waiting to pickup (poach) prospective travelers to take them across the border into town. Your driver may stop here to talk with them and seem to suggest you go with them. A ride to town should be $3-4 or less (it is only 7 km and the road is well paved on the Vietnamese side.) If you can't agree on a price there you can simply have your Cambodian driver take you to the border where you can cross over and have the drivers on the other side fight over you.

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To get to the border from Cambodia you can hire a motobike taxi from [[Kampot]] ($10), [[Kep]] ($7), or Kampong Trach ($5). The road can vary in condition from paved and bumpy to packed dirt and bumpy, be prepared for a slightly white knuckled ride depending on the daring nature of your driver and the road can also be very dusty in the dry season. Also, be aware that there seem to be Vietnamese drivers now waiting well inside the Cambodian side waiting to pickup (poach) prospective travelers to take them across the border into town. Your driver may stop here to talk with them and seem to suggest you go with them. A ride to town should be $3-4 or less (it is only 7 km and the road is well paved on the Vietnamese side.) If you can't agree on a price there you can simply have your Cambodian driver take you to the border where you can cross over and have the drivers on the other side fight over you.

==Get around==

==Get around==

The centre of town is easily walkable with Tran Hau the main commercial street running along the seaside between the big bridge for road traffic (Cau To Chau) and the former pontoon bridge for pedestrians (Cau Phao, removed in early 2007).

The centre of town is easily walkable with Tran Hau the main commercial street running along the seaside between the big bridge for road traffic (Cau To Chau) and the former pontoon bridge for pedestrians (Cau Phao, removed in early 2007).

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Many moto drivers situated at various strategic points all over town. Any journey in town, no more than 20,000 dong, e.g.to the ferry port, or bus station. To the border 40-50,000 dong.

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There are also two main metered taxi companies, the omnipresent Mai Linh, and Ha Tien Development Corp.

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It is possible to rent motorbikes by the day (approx 6USD) or pedal cycles (approx 2USD) in several locations in the town.

==See==

==See==

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Try to get one of the tourist maps where the location of the temples are indicated.

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Try to get one of the tourist maps where the locations of the cave temples are indicated.

* '''Chua Tam Bao''' is probably the best of the temples.

* '''Chua Tam Bao''' is probably the best of the temples.

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* '''Tinh Xa Ngoc Ho'''

* '''Tinh Xa Ngoc Ho'''

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Plenty of small hidden Chinese temples, scattered all over town, often down small back streets. The Mac Cuu Family tombs, set on a sprawling hillside at the end of Mac Cuu street.

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At the border with Cambodia (actually in Cambodia) are 6 casinos - only one sizeable one, the others smaller gambling dens featuring mainly Chinese games.

==Do==

==Do==

* A nice and easy bicycle ride can be done by first going to Mui Nai then continuing along the Cambodian border until finally ending up in Ha Tien again. On the way there's a barrel-shaped hill with a temple inside (entrance: 2000 dong).

* A nice and easy bicycle ride can be done by first going to Mui Nai then continuing along the Cambodian border until finally ending up in Ha Tien again. On the way there's a barrel-shaped hill with a temple inside (entrance: 2000 dong).

There are several large markets in Ha Tien,on the riverfront near to the road bridge over the Dong Ho inlet is the fish,meat and fruit market and also a large new covered market for clothes and household goods.In the evening there is a large night market,which springs up around the old market hall.This is situated in Tuan Phu Dat,which is right opposite the Ha Tien floating restaurant on the Dong Ho inlet.Very cheap good quality clothing,also souvenirs and costume jewellery.Some food stalls in the old market hall also

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There are several large markets in Ha Tien, on the riverfront near to the road bridge over the Dong Ho inlet is the fish, meat and fruit market and also a large new covered market for clothes and household goods. In the evening there is a large night market, which springs up around the old market hall. This is situated in Tuan Phu Dat, which is right opposite the Ha Tien floating restaurant on the Dong Ho inlet. Very cheap good quality clothing, also souvenirs and costume jewellery. Some food stalls in the old market hall also.

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*<buy name="Kayak" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">Off the 28 near the coast you can easily rent Kayaks for 80,000 dong ($4). It's the best way to gain access to breath taking views of the area.</buy>

==Eat==

==Eat==

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* There's a cheap and delicious eatery (around 20,000 dong/dish) on 47 Mach Thien Tich half way between Chi Lang and Mach Cuu. Look for the two woks on the sidewalk. An English menu is available. Try the stir fried squid with cucumber. Dinner only.

* There's a cheap and delicious eatery (around 20,000 dong/dish) on 47 Mach Thien Tich half way between Chi Lang and Mach Cuu. Look for the two woks on the sidewalk. An English menu is available. Try the stir fried squid with cucumber. Dinner only.

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* Along the waterway on Tran Hau there are numerous open air eateries serving various fresh seafood every night. Squid, snails, and other seafood/shellfish available here.

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* Along the waterway on Tran Hau there are numerous open air eateries serving various fresh seafood every night. Squid, snails, and other seafood/shellfish available here.

* Pho 66 is a recommended Pho place on the east side of town on To Chau just south of Chi Lang.

* Pho 66 is a recommended Pho place on the east side of town on To Chau just south of Chi Lang.

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*<eat name="Ha Tien Fresh Seafood" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">Right on the beach is a great local seafood restaurant with a very private upstairs area overlooking the best parts coast.</eat>

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==Drink==

==Drink==

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Oasis bar- seems to be the only bar in town. Expat running the bar serving cold beer in cold glasses for less than 20,000VND each Also the only bar where you can get cocktails, spirits and gin+tonic

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*<drink name="Oasis Bar" alt="" address="42 Tuan Phu Dat Dong Ho" directions="" phone="077-3701553" url="http://www.oasisbarhatien.com" hours="9 am to 9 pm or later" price="4000 dong - 40000 dong" lat="" long="">Expat running the bar serving cold beer in cold glasses for less than 20,000 dong each. Also the only place where you can get cocktails, spirits and gin+tonic. They also serve coffee.</drink>

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*<drink name="Metro 88" alt="" address="" directions="" phone="" url="" hours="" price="" lat="" long="">Opens the end 2011 as the most exciting venue with pool side entertainment, engaging locals and a place for youth to relax and spend the day. </drink>

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soft drinks,fruit juice

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Vietnamese or French coffee(cafetiere)

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Pedal cycle hire

==Sleep==

==Sleep==

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==Get out==

==Get out==

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*'''Crossing the border into Cambodia''' is very easy as you can get a 30 day tourist visa on the spot for USD $20. However, the visa official will ask you for USD $25 but will quickly back off if you just keep saying that you know it's $20. The health official next door will also ask you for a USD $1 fee, but again, just keep saying that you know there is no fee and he will also back down.

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*'''Crossing the border into Cambodia with a '''Vietnamese motorbike'''

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Crossing the boarder with a Vietnamese motobicycle is easily possible. Try to park your motobike in such a way that the Vietnamese check-out officer doesn't see it (leave your helmet outside!). After you got your stamp you can just go. The Cambodian officers don't care about it.

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* '''[[Kampot]], Cambodia''': it takes around 2 hours via motorbike. You can take the minivan; same service as Kep (see below))

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* '''[[Kep]], Cambodia''' is the first town over the border in Cambodia. The quickest and easiest way to get there is by motorbike - it shouldn't cost more than $6 or $7 USD to hire a motorbike that will take you to the border crossing, wait for you to get the paperwork and stamps, and then deliver you to the guesthouse of your choice in Kep - this will take about 1.5 hours in total. Note that the motorbike guy may try to take you to certain guesthouses where they get a commission. The other way to get to Kep is via minivan - you can buy the ticket at Trân Hâu 7, 150m north-west of the floating boat-restaurant and the big Green Island hotel. The van departs at 12 and 16 or at 14 o' clock, depending the demand and season. It costs US$ 12 (feb/13). In Kep they stop at the pier, but pass further along the "bus station" at Kep beach, and follow the main road along several guesthouses.

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Buses to Phnom Penh require one change of vehicle in Cambodia.

* '''Mui Nai''' is a seaside resort that has a tiny but sandy beach on offer (2000 dong entrance fee)

* '''Mui Nai''' is a seaside resort that has a tiny but sandy beach on offer (2000 dong entrance fee)

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Ha Tien is one of the two ports that serve Phu Quoc Island. There are currently(Jan 2011) two boats daily leaving Ha Tien at 08.00 (cost 230,000 dong) and 13.30 (cost 190,000 dong) Boats take about 2 hours to make the crossing,and arrive at the eastern side of the island. Two boats daily from Phu Quoc to Ha Tien, leave at 08.00 and 14.00. In Feb 2011 these two ferries were joined by a large car ferry. This takes slightly longer than the small fast ferries, and berths in Phu Quoc in the N/E corner. Costs 165,000 dong and 100,000 dong for a motorcycle. Stories on the web about these boats being un-seaworthy are outdated,the boats are now reasonably modern purpose built fast ferries.

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* At No.236 Mac Thien Tich ticketed bus from Ha Tien to Kampot, Kep, PnomPenh... and sell high-speed boat tickets to Phu Quoc. You can refer to the website http://hatienphuquoc.net/

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Be aware of a bus company called M@ttos. The fare to Can Tho is 180,000 dong/US$9, distance 210 km. Bus was in very bad condition, reckless driver who honked the entire time on board, very rude ticket seller who threw tourists off the bus in the middle of nowhere and made them pay and take another bus in even worse condition to the destination. Apparently some individuals do this in Vietnam for their dislike of tourists. Avoid this at all cost and try to travel with a trust-worthing bus company.

[[WikiPedia:Hà Tiên]]

[[WikiPedia:Hà Tiên]]

Revision as of 09:14, 3 March 2013

Ha Tien is a seaside town in Kien Giang Province in Southern Vietnam. It is at the western end of the Mekong Delta close to the Cambodian border. Although a tourist spot, it doesn't see many western visitors due to its remoteness.

Contents

Get in

The bus terminal is west of the city center (it was moved there from To Chau on the other side of the bay around January 2008).
There are buses from Ho Chi Minh City's Mien Tay terminal (about 8h) as well as from Can Tho and Chau Doc. The connection from Can Tho often requires a change in Rach Soi or Rach Gia from where it is about 1h.

The border near Ha Tien (7km to the north) was opened for tourists in 2007. As of late 2010, it is possible for tourists of most nationalities to enter Vietnam via this border crossing without the need for a visa. However it applies only for stays of up to 15 days, and you can only visit the so called "Special Economic Zone", which is essentially the town of Ha Tien, and the area between the town and the border, including Mui Nai beach. You must not travel further into Vietnam. (The officials at the border will tell you that you cannot go to Phu Quoc island with the visa and may not issue you a visa at all without a small bribe.) For ventures further into Vietnam, a visa is needed prior to arrival at the border.

To get to the border from Cambodia you can hire a motobike taxi from Kampot ($10), Kep ($7), or Kampong Trach ($5). The road can vary in condition from paved and bumpy to packed dirt and bumpy, be prepared for a slightly white knuckled ride depending on the daring nature of your driver and the road can also be very dusty in the dry season. Also, be aware that there seem to be Vietnamese drivers now waiting well inside the Cambodian side waiting to pickup (poach) prospective travelers to take them across the border into town. Your driver may stop here to talk with them and seem to suggest you go with them. A ride to town should be $3-4 or less (it is only 7 km and the road is well paved on the Vietnamese side.) If you can't agree on a price there you can simply have your Cambodian driver take you to the border where you can cross over and have the drivers on the other side fight over you.

Get around

The centre of town is easily walkable with Tran Hau the main commercial street running along the seaside between the big bridge for road traffic (Cau To Chau) and the former pontoon bridge for pedestrians (Cau Phao, removed in early 2007).
Many moto drivers situated at various strategic points all over town. Any journey in town, no more than 20,000 dong, e.g.to the ferry port, or bus station. To the border 40-50,000 dong.
There are also two main metered taxi companies, the omnipresent Mai Linh, and Ha Tien Development Corp.
It is possible to rent motorbikes by the day (approx 6USD) or pedal cycles (approx 2USD) in several locations in the town.

See

Try to get one of the tourist maps where the locations of the cave temples are indicated.

Chua Tam Bao is probably the best of the temples.

Chua Giai Thoat

Tinh Xa Ngoc Ho

Plenty of small hidden Chinese temples, scattered all over town, often down small back streets. The Mac Cuu Family tombs, set on a sprawling hillside at the end of Mac Cuu street.
At the border with Cambodia (actually in Cambodia) are 6 casinos - only one sizeable one, the others smaller gambling dens featuring mainly Chinese games.

Do

A nice and easy bicycle ride can be done by first going to Mui Nai then continuing along the Cambodian border until finally ending up in Ha Tien again. On the way there's a barrel-shaped hill with a temple inside (entrance: 2000 dong).

Buy

There are several large markets in Ha Tien, on the riverfront near to the road bridge over the Dong Ho inlet is the fish, meat and fruit market and also a large new covered market for clothes and household goods. In the evening there is a large night market, which springs up around the old market hall. This is situated in Tuan Phu Dat, which is right opposite the Ha Tien floating restaurant on the Dong Ho inlet. Very cheap good quality clothing, also souvenirs and costume jewellery. Some food stalls in the old market hall also.

Kayak. Off the 28 near the coast you can easily rent Kayaks for 80,000 dong ($4). It's the best way to gain access to breath taking views of the area.

Eat

There's a cheap and delicious eatery (around 20,000 dong/dish) on 47 Mach Thien Tich half way between Chi Lang and Mach Cuu. Look for the two woks on the sidewalk. An English menu is available. Try the stir fried squid with cucumber. Dinner only.

Along the waterway on Tran Hau there are numerous open air eateries serving various fresh seafood every night. Squid, snails, and other seafood/shellfish available here.

Pho 66 is a recommended Pho place on the east side of town on To Chau just south of Chi Lang.

Ha Tien Fresh Seafood. Right on the beach is a great local seafood restaurant with a very private upstairs area overlooking the best parts coast.

Drink

Oasis Bar, 42 Tuan Phu Dat Dong Ho, ☎077-3701553, [2]. 9 am to 9 pm or later. Expat running the bar serving cold beer in cold glasses for less than 20,000 dong each. Also the only place where you can get cocktails, spirits and gin+tonic. They also serve coffee.4000 dong - 40000 dong.

Metro 88. Opens the end 2011 as the most exciting venue with pool side entertainment, engaging locals and a place for youth to relax and spend the day.

Sleep

There is no shortage of options for accommodation in this town. It seems that every other building is either a Khach San (hotel) or a Phong Tro (a place that has rooms to rent). The epicentre of sleeping options can be considered the area delimited by Tran Hau, Mach Thien Tich and Chi Lang streets.

Viet Toan, 74 Chi Lang, is one of the best budget places. The staff is very friendly and one of them even speaks some English. The rooms are decent and come with TV (lucky if you get anything in English though), fridge, private bathroom and fan or aircon. From 80,000 dong for a fan room.

Hai Yen, 15 To Chau, has probably the best rooms in town for the price. The superior rooms (200,000 dong) are huge, have balcony and a good view onto Dam Dong Ho (the bay). From 150,000 dong.

Sleeping

Bao Tam near to the central market has ac/hot water rooms/tv for 170,000 Dong. Very clean

Get out

Crossing the border into Cambodia is very easy as you can get a 30 day tourist visa on the spot for USD $20. However, the visa official will ask you for USD $25 but will quickly back off if you just keep saying that you know it's $20. The health official next door will also ask you for a USD $1 fee, but again, just keep saying that you know there is no fee and he will also back down.

Crossing the border into Cambodia with a Vietnamese motorbike

Crossing the boarder with a Vietnamese motobicycle is easily possible. Try to park your motobike in such a way that the Vietnamese check-out officer doesn't see it (leave your helmet outside!). After you got your stamp you can just go. The Cambodian officers don't care about it.

Kampot, Cambodia: it takes around 2 hours via motorbike. You can take the minivan; same service as Kep (see below))

Kep, Cambodia is the first town over the border in Cambodia. The quickest and easiest way to get there is by motorbike - it shouldn't cost more than $6 or $7 USD to hire a motorbike that will take you to the border crossing, wait for you to get the paperwork and stamps, and then deliver you to the guesthouse of your choice in Kep - this will take about 1.5 hours in total. Note that the motorbike guy may try to take you to certain guesthouses where they get a commission. The other way to get to Kep is via minivan - you can buy the ticket at Trân Hâu 7, 150m north-west of the floating boat-restaurant and the big Green Island hotel. The van departs at 12 and 16 or at 14 o' clock, depending the demand and season. It costs US$ 12 (feb/13). In Kep they stop at the pier, but pass further along the "bus station" at Kep beach, and follow the main road along several guesthouses.

Buses to Phnom Penh require one change of vehicle in Cambodia.

Mui Nai is a seaside resort that has a tiny but sandy beach on offer (2000 dong entrance fee)

Ha Tien is one of the two ports that serve Phu Quoc Island. There are currently(Jan 2011) two boats daily leaving Ha Tien at 08.00 (cost 230,000 dong) and 13.30 (cost 190,000 dong) Boats take about 2 hours to make the crossing,and arrive at the eastern side of the island. Two boats daily from Phu Quoc to Ha Tien, leave at 08.00 and 14.00. In Feb 2011 these two ferries were joined by a large car ferry. This takes slightly longer than the small fast ferries, and berths in Phu Quoc in the N/E corner. Costs 165,000 dong and 100,000 dong for a motorcycle. Stories on the web about these boats being un-seaworthy are outdated,the boats are now reasonably modern purpose built fast ferries.

At No.236 Mac Thien Tich ticketed bus from Ha Tien to Kampot, Kep, PnomPenh... and sell high-speed boat tickets to Phu Quoc. You can refer to the website http://hatienphuquoc.net/

Be aware of a bus company called M@ttos. The fare to Can Tho is 180,000 dong/US$9, distance 210 km. Bus was in very bad condition, reckless driver who honked the entire time on board, very rude ticket seller who threw tourists off the bus in the middle of nowhere and made them pay and take another bus in even worse condition to the destination. Apparently some individuals do this in Vietnam for their dislike of tourists. Avoid this at all cost and try to travel with a trust-worthing bus company.